trip

11 Days$4490USD

Activities
  • 2 days hike
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotel
  • 1 night traditional ryokan
  • 2 nights mountain hut
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
3
Introductory
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Unearth the best of Japan's hidden gems.
  • Hike among the spectacular scenery of the Yastugatake Mountains
  • Discover Harie, the Village of Living Water
  • Visit a farm & a cook traditional lunch with your hosts near Lake Biwa
  • Explore the traditional funayas (boathouses) of Ine Village
  • Venture away from the main sites to see another side of Tokyo
  • Explore and experience beautiful Kyoto

This well rounded journey is the ideal way to discover Japan. Beginning in the vibrant city of Tokyo, undertake a tour of the backstreets and gain insights into this incredible country. Making our way to Natsuzawakosen (2060m) we enjoy a relaxing onsen and the beautiful mountain scenery. We have a full day hiking among the spectacular scenery of Mount Iodake and descend to Narai Juku and walk around this historic, picture perfect area. From here we'll travel by train to Samegai-juku, and enjoy time along the river. Next we explore the small village of Biwako, which boasts crystal clear water springs called "kabata". We make our way to Amanohashidate to take in the magnificent views and then on to Ine Village, a quaint fishing village known for its wooden houses. This incredible trip finishes with time to explore the fascinating sites of Kyoto. This is an ideal travel experience in captivating Japan, with plenty of activity, scenery and Japanese culture.

Trip Code: JPU

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. We will have an important group meeting, so please check with reception for the exact time and location. Following the meeting your guide will take you on an orientation walk and we will enjoy a welcome dinner. Tokyo is a hive of activity, with a mind-boggling range of shops, restaurants and businesses that make it one of the world’s most energetic cities. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals:  D

After breakfast we head off to explore a small part of this incredible city on a Tokyo backstreet tour. Some sights we will take in include: Asagaya, Roppongi~Azabu, Akihabara~Ochanomizu, Togoshiginza, Kawagoe and Yotsuya. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals:  B

This morning after breakfast we will have our JR Passes validated. Your luggage will be transferred to Narai. It is an early morning as we travel to Chino by train (3 hours). We will take a bus from Chino to Sakuradaira gate. Lunch is enjoyed at Natsuzawakosen (2,060 elevation) and we will take a hike up to Iodake (2760m, approx 4 hours). Dinner this evening is at a Mountain hut. Overnight: Natsuzawakosen mountain hut (multi-share)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a hiking day. First we will hike up and down Mt. Higashi tengu (2640m, approx. 5 hours). This is a scenic hike and we will delight in the views and dense forests. Next we will hike up and down Mt. Yoko (2830m) and descend to Natsuzawakosen (2060m). This evening we enjoy local vegetables in a dinner at a Mountain Hut (onsen). Hiking: (5-6 hours/ 10 km) Overnight: Iodake mountain hut (multi-share)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our morning begins with a bus journey to Chino. From here we take a train to Narai (1h). In Narai shuku we will go on a walking tour. Narai-shuku is a hidden jewel of traditional Japanese architecture. This evening we enjoy a traditional Ryokan dinner. Overnight: Minshuku Kato or similar

Meals:  B,D

Our luggage will be transferred to Biwako today. Our travels today take us to Samegai-shuku by train (approx. 4 hrs). Here we undertake a ‘Samegai’ Walking tour along the river. Next we journey by train to Omi imazu (1.5h). This evening is a Kaiseki dinner, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at a hotel. Overnight: Imazu Sun Bridge Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,D

This morning we will be transferred to the village of Harie. In Harie we will go on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Here the people developed "kabata" - a room where fresh water flows, which was an ingenious way of providing themselves with clean water. Next we are transferred to the Hata village. Here will will visit a Farmer’s home and lunch with a local guide. Following this we will delight in a Japanese obanzai making experience with local farmer. "Obanzai" is traditional home-style cooking (normally with at least half of the ingredients being locally produced). From here we will go on a walking tour at the rice terraces in Hata. Overnight: Imazu Sun Bridge Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L

Your luggage will be transferred to Kyoto today. We will travel to Amanohashidate by bus and train (4 hours) to enjoy this scenic coastal area and famous natural land bridge. We will also take a bus to Kasamatsu park for it's scenic vantage point as it is an ideal spot to view Amanohashidate, a famous viewpoint in Japan. Overnight: Amanohashidate Auberge or similar

Meals:  B

This morning we will take a bus to Ine (1 hour). In Ine we will go on a cruise (approx. 30 mins) and enjoy a local seafood lunch at Funaya. We will travel to Kyoto by bus and train (4 hours). (Note that our JR Passes expire today.) Overnight: WBF Kyoto or similar

Meals:  B,L

With temples and teahouses, shrines and geisha, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart. From the end of the Nara Period (794) Kyoto has functioned as the crossroads of Japanese history. Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital for more than 1000 years, is a veritable open air museum. All over the city you can find countless shrines, temples, palaces and other historical sites which are best discovered by foot. Our day begins with a walking tour of Kyoto. We will visit the Nishiki market and have a Gion District Guided Tour. The famous Geisha district of Gion, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan. This evening is our farewell dinner. Overnight: WBF Kyoto or similar

Meals:  B

Today after breakfast, the trip concludes. Your guide will instruct on on the easiest way to reach the airport if you are departing today, or assist with any onward travel in Japan. Should you wish to extend your stay in Japan, please ask your World Expeditions' Adventure Travel Consultant for accommodation options.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Comfortable accommodation on twin share basis
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • Public and private group transportation
  • Medical kit

  • International airfare, visa and travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
  • Arrival and departure transfers

Accommodation


Departure dates


Notes

DN1
Effective from 9/9/22, the Japan Visa and entry requirements have changed due to Covid health regulations and the visa application process is constantly evolving. We will be able to update you on the current conditions approximately 3 months before departure date. Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you with your planning.

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Priceper person from

$4490USD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Uncharted Japan trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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